The compromise over “Complete Streets” came after more than two months of debate over the bill. The third and latest version of the bill was approved 5-1 by the St. Louis County Council.

Meant to improve street access for bicyclists and pedestrians, the legislation faced backlash in earlier proposals from highway department officials who felt forced to add expensive and, in some opinions, unnecessary bike lanes to the county road system.

Despite the favorable ruling, not all cycling enthusiasts are happy. Many believe safety concerns still exist.

St. Louis County still must take cost and other factors into consideration before moving ahead with any projects. No Complete Streets upgrade can proceed without council approval.

It is estimated to cost hundreds of millions of dollars, but no one has given an exact cost for the project.